Gamecocks Finish Fourth In National Polls

COLUMBIA, S.C. (January 7, 2014) – The University of South Carolina football team finished fourth in the final Associated Press and USA Today/ESPN Coaches polls, it was announced today. It marked the highest postseason ranking in school history.

Florida State (14-0) received every first place vote in both polls, finishing just ahead of Auburn (12-2). Big Ten Champion Michigan State (13-1) placed third, with the Gamecocks (11-2) and Missouri (12-2) rounding out the top 5 in both polls.

“Being ranked No. 4 in both major polls is an honor for the University of South Carolina and for our football program,” said head coach Steve Spurrier. “Thanks to the players for achieving another 11-2 record. Thanks also to the coaches, the support staff and our fans for their contributions. Also thanks to the voters for thinking so highly of us. We are very appreciative and thankful for being the highest–ranked team in school history and hope to do better next year.”

• South Carolina posted wins over five teams that finished in the top 25 (Missouri – 5/5; Clemson – 8/7; UCF – 10/12; Wisconsin – 22/21; and Vanderbilt – 24/23) with the UCF and Missouri games coming on the road and the Wisconsin win at a neutral site.

• South Carolina finished the season with six-consecutive wins, including three against ranked opponents (Missouri, Clemson and Wisconsin).

• South Carolina was the only team to have two wins over BCS teams (Clemson and UCF) prior to the bowl games.

• South Carolina has an 18-game home winning streak, the longest current streak in the nation.

• South Carolina has been ranked in the AP Top 25 for 64 consecutive weeks, tying Stanford for the fifth-longest active streak in the nation.

• South Carolina is one of only five schools, joining Alabama, Oregon, Stanford and Northern Illinois, to win 11 games in each of the last three seasons.

• South Carolina has won three-straight New Year’s Day bowl games, defeating Nebraska, Michigan and Wisconsin.

The Gamecocks will open the 2014 season on Thursday, August 28, when they host Texas A&M at Williams-Brice Stadium. Fans can place a deposit on 2014 Gamecock season football tickets for just $100. Go to gamecocksonline.com/tickets or call 803-777-4274.

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